Core i3-7101E vs FX-6330

Core i3-7101E vs FX-6330 Performance Spectrum

Core i3-7101E

2 / 4

4,430

0.0%

4,433

+0.1%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-7101E vs FX-6330 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-7101E vs FX-6330: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-7101E

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 54W instead of 125W, a 71W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 630, while FX-6330 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,430 vs 4,433).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌
7.3% HIGHER MSRP
$117 MSRPvs$109 MSRP

FX-6330

2015

Why buy it

✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Costs $8 less on MSRP ($109 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌131.5% higher power demand at 125W vs 54W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-7101E can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-6330 better than Core i3-7101E?

Yes. FX-6330 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, FX-6330 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, FX-6330 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

FX-6330 is the better buy right now. FX-6330 comes in $8 cheaper on MSRP at $109 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 7.4% better value on MSRP (40.7 vs 37.9 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-7101E makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2015). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-7101E vs FX-6330 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-7101E

The Core i3-7101E is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1600, DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 4,430 points. Launch price was $117.

FX-6330

The FX-6330 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 15 December 2015 (9 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,433 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-7101E packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-6330 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6330 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-7101E versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-6330 — a 7.4% clock advantage for the FX-6330 (base: 3.9 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i3-7101E uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-6330 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-7101E scores 4,430 against the FX-6330's 4,433 — a 0.1% lead for the FX-6330. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-7101E vs 8 MB (total) on the FX-6330.

Feature	Core i3-7101E	FX-6330
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	6 / 6+200%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	4.2 GHz+8%
Base Clock	3.9 GHz+8%	3.6 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	512 kB	6 MB+1100%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark	4,430	4,433
Geekbench 6 Single	1,250	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-7101E uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-6330 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-7101E	FX-6330
Socket	LGA1151	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-7101E) / not specified (FX-6330). The Core i3-7101E includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 630), while the FX-6330 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-7101E targets Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i3-7101E rivals Embedded Ryzen V1000.

Feature	Core i3-7101E	FX-6330
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 630	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Embedded	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-7101E was priced at $117, while the FX-6330 came in at $109. On launch pricing ($117 vs $109), FX-6330 was $8 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-7101E delivers 37.9 pts/$ vs 40.7 pts/$ for the FX-6330 — making the FX-6330 the 7.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-7101E	FX-6330
MSRP	$117	$109-7%
Performance per Dollar	37.9	40.7+7%
Release Date	2017	2015

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